Growing up without a mother or father involved in her life, Norma Jeane Mortensen rose above other people's stereotypes of her and became known around the world for things that some would not want to. be recognized by. Even though Mortensen had to overcome many obstacles, she fought to achieve ultimate success and glory. Norma has continuously worked in many films and TV shows to see the result of her fame. Norma Jeane Mortensen experienced a wild childhood and adolescence and grew up to be a very successful woman despite all the difficult times. This is why Norma became my American icon, because even in tough times others gave up, Mortensen never did. Norma was born into harsh conditions and did not experience a typical childhood due to her constant movement. Born named Norma Jeane Mortensen, now known as Marilyn Monroe, was born in Los Angeles, California on June 1, 1926 (Miaryn Monroe 2). Brought into difficult conditions, Marilyn rarely spent time with her mother, and no time with her father (“Marilyn Monroe 1”). Monroe experienced brutal conditions from the age of two, when she was nearly choked to death and nearly raped at the age of six. During her difficult childhood, she was also sent to numerous foster homes and an orphanage ("Marilyn Monroe 2"). To avoid another stay in the orphanage at the age of sixteen, a family friend arranged a marriage proposal ("Marilyn Monroe 3"). After marriage, “Norma Jeane took a job at an airline factory, as part of the World War II factory efforts, and initially worked. as a parachute inspector, than as a paint sprayer” (Lewis). As Monroe had a brutal childhood, she also had difficult relationships with her family members. Monroe's life is in the middle of paper......y News Network. Hm.us 2012. Web.May 1, 2014.. “Marilyn Monroe 1.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Britannica.com 2013. Web. March 27, 2014.. “Marilyn Monroe 2.” IMBD. IMDB.com 2014. Web. March 27, 2014.. “Marilyn Monroe 3.” Marilyn Monroe. Marilynmonroe.com 2011. Web. March 27, 2014.. “Marilyn Monroe: the last years. » Weekly biographical reference from the publisher. 2014. Internet. April 15, 2014..Taraborell, Randy, I. “Marilyn Madness.” Dailymail.co, np 2009. Web. April 28 2014..